The Hallsville ISD alumni committee honored 1978 Hallsville graduate, Robbie Shoults. Robbie was active in the Future Farmers of America, serving as vice president and president. His honors included: Star Chapter and Lone Star Farmer, first in area and state in Livestock Judging, and excelled in Forestry Judging and Plant Identification. He attended East Texas State University and returned home to continue the legacy his grandparents and parents started on a small turkey farm. Bear Creek Smokehouse is a family owned and operated business that has provided turkeys, hams, and other holiday treats for 74 years and is known as one of the oldest food processing family-owned industries in the area. Robbie, with his forward thinking and diversity, expanded the business, tripled the quality of products, and began Holiday gift Shows around the country. Much of his time and effort is spent “giving back” to the community, cooking for charities and many worthwhile organizations, including his church. The successfulness of the business was realized when awards from near and far were announced; including, Family Business of the year from the Longview Chamber of Commerce, and Marshall Chamber of Commerce; Small Business of the Year by the SBDC of 72 counties in the DFW area, Bear Creek Smokehouse was named the Family Business of the Year in the Small Business Administration network. Recently, Robbie was invited to the Whitehouse to meet with other business owners for a round table discussion with President Trump. He often cooks on T.V. stations in the Tyler- Dallas areas, appeared on the “Beat Bobby Flay” show; and he, along with Hunter, cooked two recipes from their Cookbook on the Rachel Ray Show and was on the Today Show with Al Roker. Robbie and his wife, Tracy, enjoy “life on the farm” with children, Erin, Krysta, Hunter, Stacia, Samantha, Shae, Sadie, and grandchildren, Cooper, Barrett, and Drew, along with his parents Bobby and Brenda. Robbie says he is thankful for great employees and is blessed to be part of a business based on Family, Faith, and Food.